Why Tourists Should reconsider their next holiday in Spain – EasyJet New Travel Chaos As Cabin Crew Strike From June 25-27, Leaving Passengers Facing Possible Delays And Cancellations

Published on June 17, 2025

EasyJet is set to face potential travel disruptions as its cabin crew members based in Spain have announced a strike from June 25 to June 27, coinciding with the busy summer travel season. The strike, led by the USO union, is driven by disputes over significant pay disparities and working conditions between EasyJet’s Spanish employees and their counterparts in other European countries. With operations spanning major Spanish airports in Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca, the strike could lead to flight delays and cancellations, affecting passengers during a peak period for travel. While Spanish labor laws require a minimum level of service, disruptions remain likely as the airline navigates this dispute during a crucial time for tourism and summer travel.

Passengers traveling with EasyJet this summer may face potential disruptions, as cabin crew members based in Spain have announced plans for a strike. The strike, called by the Unión Sindical Obrera (USO), is set to occur from June 25 to June 27, coinciding with the peak of the summer travel season. This industrial action is the result of ongoing disputes regarding working conditions and salaries.

The strike’s exact impact on EasyJet’s operations remains uncertain at this stage, with questions surrounding potential flight cancellations and delays. However, Spanish labor laws require that a minimum level of service be maintained during strikes, which means that while services may be affected, not all flights are expected to be cancelled.

EasyJet’s operations in Spain involve a significant number of staff. A total of 657 cabin crew members are employed across the airline’s four Spanish bases, located in Barcelona, Alicante-Elche, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca. These crews service a fleet of 21 aircraft, covering numerous routes. The disruptions, should they occur, could potentially affect a wide number of passengers traveling to and from these major Spanish airports.

At present, it remains unclear whether the planned strikes will go ahead. Spain’s arbitration service, SIMA, has intervened by scheduling talks between the union and EasyJet. Both parties have been called to the negotiating table in an attempt to reach a resolution and avoid the planned industrial action. The outcome of these discussions will be critical in determining whether the strike proceeds as planned or is averted.

The crux of the disagreement lies in significant salary disparities between EasyJet cabin crew members based in Spain and their counterparts at other European bases. According to the USO, pay differences between crews in Spain and those employed by EasyJet in other European countries range from 30% to as high as 200%. The union argues that these disparities are not only unjust but also undermine the efforts to create a fair and consistent pay structure within the airline.

The USO has emphasized that this issue, particularly the pay gap, has been a point of contention throughout the ongoing negotiations. The union claims that despite several attempts to address the issue through collective bargaining, there has been “total disagreement” with EasyJet on how to resolve the pay discrepancies. The union’s call for a strike comes after what they consider to be an unsatisfactory response from the airline.

The strike, if it takes place, is expected to coincide with the busy summer travel season, a period when airlines typically face high demand. This could mean significant disruptions for passengers, with EasyJet likely having to adjust its flight schedules. While Spanish labor laws stipulate that minimum services must be provided, the extent of the disruptions will depend on the outcome of the talks between the union and the airline.

The strike action, which involves one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, also highlights broader issues in the airline industry, particularly regarding working conditions and pay. EasyJet, like many other airlines, is grappling with the challenges of attracting and retaining staff amid rising costs and the ongoing pressures of the post-pandemic travel boom. However, the union has made it clear that it believes the airline must do more to address the pay disparities and ensure that its Spanish-based staff are compensated fairly in line with their European counterparts.

For passengers planning to fly with EasyJet in late June, it is advisable to stay updated on the status of the strike and any potential disruptions. The airline has not yet confirmed which, if any, flights will be affected. However, travelers should be aware that changes to flight schedules may be necessary if the strike proceeds.

In the meantime, both EasyJet and the USO will continue to engage in discussions to try and resolve the dispute before the scheduled strike dates. With summer travel just around the corner, both parties will be under pressure to come to an agreement that avoids further disruptions to passengers’ plans.

EasyJet is set to face travel disruptions as its cabin crew in Spain have announced plans to strike from June 25 to June 27, coinciding with the peak of the summer travel season. The strike, called by the USO union, is the result of ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, with significant salary differences between Spanish staff and their European counterparts.

Ultimately, the situation remains fluid, and passengers should monitor updates closely. As with many industrial disputes, the outcome often hinges on the success of negotiations and the willingness of both sides to compromise. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the strike goes ahead and how it will impact EasyJet’s operations in Spain.